Tips On Writing a Book

Do you have a book inside you, waiting to be written. Many people dream of seeing their name as an author of a best selling book, perhaps because such a dream fulfilled can catapult them to instant fame. For others, however, getting published is not only about getting famous, but a testimony of one’s creativity. A published book can be the culmination of one’s creative pursuits and the outpouring of one’s soul.

But let’s face it. Not everyone has the gift for writing, nor has the talent for making words come to life. Yet, if you know that you have what it takes to tell a good story or to create even a simple instruction guide about something you are familiar with, then go ahead and give writing a try. Here are some simple tips on writing a book that may help you get started:

1. Don’t expect perfection right away.

One thing that can stop you from writing is the fear that you may produce something not worth reading. No writer is born in a day, and no masterpiece is written in one sitting. Do not worry too much if you feel you are not yet a good writer. What matters is to get something written, even one short page, at the end of the day. With practice, you can become a better writer.

2. Break down your writing project into manageable tasks.

Writing a book seems like a daunting task. Like any goal, however, writing a book can be broken down into manageable chunks that you can try and accomplish one day at a time. For instance, setting the goal of writing a novel in a month may seem impossible, but if you set your a goal of writing one page a day, you would realize that what seems like an ambitious project is possible, after all.

3. Organize your thoughts.

The first thing you need to do is to think of what it is you want to write. Some writers may just simply start typing and develop their ideas along the way. For novice writers, however, it is best to conceptualize the topic and the subtopics that you want to cover. Create an outline which will serve as your guide in writing a book. If you are writing a book with multiple chapters, think of the chapter titles and write down short descriptions of what each chapter will cover.

4. Set a deadline.

Whether you plan to have your book published by someone else or you plan to do it yourself, set a deadline and periodically assess how close you are to your goal.

5. Write your first draft freely.

Do not be preoccupied with correct spelling and grammar rules. Just focus on the message that you want to deliver, or the story you want to tell. Just write freely and do the editing later.

6. Ask for comment on your work.

If you are just starting to write, asking people to read what you had written and comment on it would help you improve your craft. Having the help of a critique group can help you to shape your story. You can always improve on your craft by spending more time perfecting the art of writing.

7. Complete your final draft, edit and submit for publishing.

When you feel you had already said what you wanted to say and you feel happy about your manuscript, finalize it (that includes comprehensive editing) and submit it to an agent or publisher. If you choose to self-publish, learn how to do it correctly.

These are simple tips on writing a book which you can use to help you produce your first book. The more you write, the easier it will be. Remember that writing is a process, and it will take time before you can finally say that you have done it! What matters is that you keep on writing, devout a couple of hours a day to your craft and you will soon see how easy it is to get your thoughts down on paper.